‘New IRA’ admits killing journalist in Derry

The group calling itself the ‘New IRA’ has admitted that it was responsible for the attack which killed 29-year-old Lyra McKee in Derry on 18 April.

The journalist died as a result of injuries sustained when she was shot in the Fanad Drive area of Creggan on Holy Thursday.

In a statement to Belfast-based The Irish News newspaper using a recognised codeword, the group also apologised for the death of Ms McKee, something the Republican party Saoradh had called for.

‘Crown Forces’

Saoradh had also said on Friday 19 April that ‘heavily armed Crown Forces were sent into Creggan to ‘attack Republicans in advance of upcoming Easter Rising Commemorations’.

“During this attack on the community, a Republican Volunteer attempted to defend people from the PSNI/RUC. Tragically a young journalist covering the events, Lyra McKee, was killed accidentally while standing behind armed Crown Force personnel and armoured vehicles.”

“There is no doubt that the people behind last night’s violence on the streets of this city who threw dozens of petrol bombs at officers, who hijacked and set on fire three vehicles had one aim – they set out to kill and take the life of a police officer – tragically they took the life of a talented young writer.”

‘Incredible bravery’

The British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said in the House of Commons on 23 April that the PSNI carried out searches in two locations in the Creggan ‘believing that dissident republicans were storing firearms and explosives in preparation for attacks’. According to Ms Bradley, it was while the searches were being carried out that a crowd gathered.

The NI Secretary added that 50 petrol bombs were thrown at police lines. It was during the subsequent disorder a gunman fired a number of shots in the direction of police, wounding Lyra McKee.

“Showing incredible bravery while still under attack, PSNI officers attended to Lyra as she was transported to hospital in a police vehicle.Tragically neither those on the scene nor medical staff were able to save her… and she died from the injuries she sustained.I want to thank once again the police, medical staff and other emergency services for their bravery and commitment.”

The Secretary of State told MPs that ‘nothing we can say can take away the pain that Lyra’s family must be experiencing’.

Karen Bradley described the activist and writer as a ‘role model’ who was a ‘true loss to Northern Ireland’.

“Lyra was a brilliant, talented journalist, and a true loss to Northern Ireland.

She was a role model to many who always fought to make Northern Ireland a better place.”

-NI Secretary karen bradley MP

Severe threat

The NI Secretary told MPS that the current threat level in Northern Ireland from dissidents remains SEVERE meaning an attack is ‘highly likely’.

On 22 April, the senior PSNI detective leading the investigation into the murder of Lyra McKee revealed more than 140 people have contacted police with information via the Major Incident Public Portal.

Detective Superintendent Murphy said:

“Many witnesses have contacted us to give us information that has been provided to them. More than 140 people have contacted us via our MIPP with messages, including mobile phone footage. House-to house enquiries are continuing, and all of that is to be welcomed.

“My challenge is, how do I convert that community intelligence and information into raw evidence that allows me bring offenders to justice?”

Arrests

Two teenagers arrested into the murder were later released over the Bank Holiday weekend. On 23 April, a 57 year old woman was arrested by detectives in the morning, but later ‘released unconditionally’.

Books of condolences were opened in civic buildings across Ireland, and in Britain in honour of the author and activist.

Dublin Vigil

(Courtesy of NUJ via Twitter)

On the eve of Lyra McKee’s funeral, the National Union of Journalists hosted a vigil at Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin at 6pm on Tuesday April 23.

Her funeral will then be held in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast on 24 April. The family of Ms McKee, who was originally from north Belfast, have requested NUJ members to form a Guard of Honour.

In a statement released through the McKee family’s solictors to the Press Association, the family said that they know that the whole community has ‘been touched by the events of Thursday night and that many are rightly angry’.

“However, we would ask that Lyra’s life and her personal philosophy are used as an example to us all as we face this tragedy together. Lyra’s answer would have been simple, the only way to overcome hatred and intolerance is with love, understanding and kindness.”

Inside Ireland

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